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In 1933, Kraft developed Miracle Whip as a less expensive alternative to mayonnaise.[1] Premiering at the Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago in 1933, Miracle Whip soon became a success as a condiment on fruits, vegetables, and salads.[2] Its success was bolstered by Kraft's mounting a significant advertising campaign which included sponsorship of a two-hour radio program. At the end of its introductory period, Miracle Whip was outselling all mayonnaise brands.[1]

According to Kraft archivist Becky Haglund Tousey, Kraft developed the product in-house using a patented "emulsifying machine" invented by Charles Chapman to create a product blending mayonnaise product and less expensive salad dressing, sometimes called "boiled dressing"[3] or "salad dressing spread." The machine (dubbed "Miracle Whip" by Chapman) ensured that the ingredients (including more than 20 different spices) could be thoroughly blended.[2]

However, another story claims that Miracle Whip was invented in Salem, Illinois, at Max Crosset's Cafe, where it was called "Max Crossett's X-tra Fine Salad Dressing". Crosset sold it to Kraft Foods in 1931 for $300[4] (approximately $4,669.72 in 2015).[5] While stating that Kraft did buy many salad dressings, Tousey disputes the claim that X-tra Fine was Miracle Whip.[2]

Since 1972, Miracle Whip has also been sold as Miracel Whip in Germany.[6] It was formerly produced by Kraft Foods, and is currently produced by Mondelēz International in Bad Fallingbostel.